The good news is CASA and the MAAA’s rules are easy to understand. Importantly, the rules are designed to keep everyone safe.

Simple rules to keep the skies safe

Only fly during daylight hours and avoid fog and clouds

Keep your aircraft in sight at all times ***

Stay at least 30 metres away from vehicles, boats, buildings or people

Avoid heavily populated areas such as parks or beaches

Fly under 120 metres in controlled airspace such as city skies

Stay at least 5.5km away from airfields and aerodromes

Fly in control at all times

Remember if you’re flying for money – get certified!

*** Members of RAPS via the MAAA receive a “Visual Line of Sight exemption” where you can fly your drone using a smart phone, tablet or goggles as long as you have an observer present. The observer is the pilot in command and must be able to physically see the unmanned aircraft at all times.

Any aircraft flown for commercial, government or research purposes needs to be certified. Specifically, you need an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) controller's certificate and an unmanned operator's certificate (UOC). Flying commercially without certification is illegal and could lead to penalties of up to $9000.